Atila HCV Assay Kit (Digital PCR)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a single-stranded RNA virus, with a genome size of approximately 9500 nucleotides. HCV can cause Hepatitis C, a liver disease, and is a major cause of liver cancer. The virus causes both acute and chronic hepatitis. Around 30% (15–45%) of infected persons spontaneously clear the virus within 6 months of infection without any treatment. However, the remaining 70% (55–85%) of persons will develop chronic HCV infection. Of those with chronic HCV infection, the risk of cirrhosis ranges between 15% and 30% within 20 years. HCV is a bloodborne virus, is transmitted by sharing injection equipment, transfusion or exposure to the infected blood, and can also be transmitted sextually or from infected mother to baby.

The Atila HCV Assay Kit comes in two formats, a droplet digital reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-ddPCR) assay using Bio-Rad QX200/QX600™ system or a digital reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-dPCR) assay using QIAcuity™ Digital™ PCR System. Both are designed for absolute quantification of HCV DNA using Atila’s proprietary digital amplification technology. This method improves the efficiency and precision of viral RNA quantification by minimizing nonspecific amplification and cross-interference among multiple targets. DNA oligos are designed to specifically detect HCV RNA. The assay does not discriminate against the HCV genotypes. The test also includes an Internal Control (IC) for monitoring test performance in each individual test.

The Atila HCV Assay is performed in three main steps, specimen processing and nucleic acid extraction; reverse transcription and digital PCR amplification; and data analysis and quantification. Specimen processing and nucleic acid extraction is performed with the Atila automated DNA/RNA extraction system, other compatible automated systems, or manual viral RNA extraction kits.